Snowbirds are coming back to Hawaii

Dear Hawaii blog visitors,

What's up with today's blog title? At the beginning of each winter season, Hawaii residents and visitors are used to read and hear the excited statement 'The Humpback whales are coming back!'. Our article today is claiming that the 'Snowbirds are coming back!'

Oh well, everybody in Hawaii knows that 'Snowbirds in Hawaii' are not an endangered species of rare Hawaii animals but we call those visitors who come back to the warm Hawaiian Islands and the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean each winter 'Snowbirds'. All they are trying to do is escape the snow and the cold on the Mainland for at least a month or two. The very lucky ones who are retired and call a condo in Kihei Maui or a beach house in Hawaii their second home, might even spend the entire winter months in Hawaii.

One thing is for certain, Hawaii business owners, whether owners of vacation rentals or restaurants, can't wait for the arrival of the 'Snowbirds' in Hawaii because winter season in Hawaii means big business for Hawaii tourism. Snowbirds are treated like royalties! If you are still planning a Hawaii vacation for this 2010/2011 winter season, be aware that the busiest Snowbird months in Hawaii are January and February when most of the Mainland states are in the firm grip of winter.

Snowbirds love Hawaii. For them, each time they come back to the Hawaiian Islands it's like coming home after a long absence. They reunite with other Snowbird friends, their Hawaiian friends and family from the Mainland. Hawaii's Snowbirds are definitely not on the endangered species list because each year more people fall in love with Hawaii and join the ranks of the Hawaiian Snowbirds.

If you are coming to Hawaii for the first time in winter, you might not even recognize you favorite summer beach anymore. Here is what happens. During the winter months, our Hawaii white sand beaches can lose half of its sand due to constant high tide and surf, which can make beaches more crowded than some of our visitors like. Not your cup of tea? Then travel to Hawaii in November, when the Snowbirds are not in Hawaii yet, or in April, when the Snowbirds have already left Hawaii.

Any Hawaii Snowbird story you want to share with our visitors? We'd love to hear from you. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
Last but not least, we would like to make you aware of a great discussion at our friends blog 'Beat of Hawaii' about 'Does the Deal fuel your Hawaii Trip'. Read Hawaii visitors' comments carefully. You might find a deal for your Hawaii trip as well.

Tags: Hawaii Snowbirds, Snowbirds are coming back to Hawaii

June is the month for sunsets in Hawaii

Dear Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,
Let's take a short break between posts about best Big Island hiking. Hiking Pololu Valley as our 'Best Big Island Hiking' suggestion, did gather momentum soon. So for all those passionate Hawaii island hikers, our next hiking tip for the Big Island is coming soon.

When our friend Bill Jardine, long time realtor on the Big Island, came up with another one of his wonderful articles about Hawaii, written with love and passion for the islands and writing skills I envy him for, I could not resist to publish it right NOW:

June is the month for sunsets in Hawaii

"There are sunsets every night. Actually, scientists might remind us that there are "horizon rises" every night, but I prefer the idea that the sun is going down rather than the horizon rising up, hurling me backward into the night at over 1,000 miles per hour! The thing with sunsets is that the ones with the ocean on the bottom have been glorified to the point that the other sunsets just don’t get the attention they deserve. The classic ocean sunset is indeed gorgeous but, really, kind of boring too.


Here on the Island we get plane loads of folks from the mainland who are dreaming of sitting on their very own lanai and watching the horizon gradually rise up to block the sun. Perhaps they will match the ruby red wine in their glass with the rosy western afterglow as the canopy of stars spreads far above. Before long the edge of the great Milky Way will be obvious, stretching across the heavens from upper right to lower left. Perhaps with subsequent glasses of wine they will toast the great good fortune that has guided them to this blessed place in the middle of the vast North Pacific. Indeed, it is a blessing, and we who have been able to spend our lives in all this beauty are way beyond lucky.

Ours is a very special view at sunset, because the rush toward dusk sets the mountains glowing with bright blades of gold before rendering their great flanks a warm burgundy against the gathering darkness in the eastern sky. Flocks of Warbling Silverbills fly like notes of a symphony into the shelter of the Koa trees.


We enjoy views of great, sunny pastures which are home to cattle and wild donkeys and goats who revel in the fresh trade winds that ruffle their coats and sweep away the flying insects seeking to climb aboard. In the distance are the three great mountains, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Hualalai, gathering cloaks of afternoon rain along their western slopes. They are intensely beautiful and seem to have personalities of their own when the sun sets over the ocean and shows its reflections on the majestic volcanoes."

As soon as I was writing Bill's article about Hawaii sunsets, I was wondering what fun it would be to collect Hawaii sunset photos from residents or Hawaii visitors. If you have one of those special Hawaii sunset, feel free to email it to us with your short description where in Hawaii you took the sunset photo. Maybe, if we get enough photos, I can publish your photos in a special "Best Hawaii Sunset Photos". I can't wait to hear from you. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
As a start with Hawaii sunset photos, here is my contribution.

Tags: Hawaii sunset photos, best Hawaii sunsets

How to find Peace on Hawaii vacation?

Dear Hawaii vacation lovers,

When dealing with Best Hawaii vacation, we occasionally encounter Hawaii visitors asking us where the non-touristy places in Hawaii are. They tell us they are looking for hidden beaches or Hawaii vacation rentals away from the tourists and the big crowds. Just a few thoughts from us regards non touristy places in Hawaii.

How to find peace on Hawaii vacation?

Hawaii has changed a lot, even more so within the last 10 - 15 year. I love to listen to the stories my husband tells me about the Big Island when he came there over 35 years ago: there was only one highway on the island, there was only one 5-star hotel, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel built by Rockefeller in 1965, most of those white sand beaches on the Kohala Coast were still hard to reach and imagine, there was not one traffic light between Hilo and Kona!

As you know this has all changed big time. Once the beauty and warm climate of the Hawaiian islands were discovered, naturally everybody wanted and wants to experience it! Resorts and golf courses got 'dug out' of the lava fields, palm trees planted and ocean front 5-star hotels with access beach access built. Hawaii's infrastructure is still lagging a bit behind those latest townhouses and condominium subdivisions developed during the Hawaii building boom during 2000 - 2005.

I always have a hard time to accept all the changes at one of the most beautiful resorts, Mauna Lani Beach Resort, when visiting there. Hotels like 'Mauna Lani Beach Hotel & Bungalows' and 'Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani' are not easy to spot anymore with all the new condominium and townhouse structures developed around them. I appreciate that Big Island builders at least stayed away from those high rise condo buildings as visitors can find in Honolulu. Well, as Keoki says 'The only constant in life is change!'. This is not any different for the Hawaiian Islands. One cannot go back in time.

Here is the good news. There are still a few secret beaches which are not well known to tourists but mostly it's the ones which are hard to get to. The majority of Hawaii visitors prefer a short walk to the beach from parking lot. So these hard to access beaches and coves still provide the non-touristy visitors with peace, tranquility and serenity they are looking for on their Hawaii visit. Please, be aware that you might not be by yourselves on weekends when Hawaiians love to go camping on those beaches.

Quite a number of locals, Hawaiians and Haoles (white people), do still camp on the beach, play their ukuleles and BBQ. These people know each other well and don't advertise their 'beach party'. You definitely need to know somebody in order to be part of it.

Unfortunately, non-touristy Hawaii visitors' wishes of rain forest and waterfalls being close to white sand beaches do not match how 'Mother Nature' developed the islands. It's either or. There are spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii but a lot of the times it will take you long walks (or a long kayak tour like on Kauai) to reach those but already the walk, hike or kayaking is an experience by itself. Try it and you will love it!

If you really want to spend your Hawaii vacation away from people and resorts, try Upcountry Maui or Upcountry Big Island. It's beautiful ranch land with rolling hills, cows and horses. You may find a private cottage overlooking the mountains and the coastal regions. There is always Molokai being the least developed island in regards to tourists and resorts but this also means it's a little harder to get to and a simpler life with less shopping available.


Hoping this gives the non-touristy visitor, who is in search for peace and tranquility on Hawaii vacation, a better understanding of the Hawaiian Islands TODAY. Have a peaceful Hawaii vacation! Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Peaceful Hawaii vacation related posts

Secret Beaches in Hawaii

Big Island Secret Beach

Hiking in Hawaii

Best Things to Do on Kauai Wailua River

Upcountry Maui

Tags: Peaceful Hawaii vacation, secret beaches in Hawaii, how to find peace in Hawaii

Best Hawaii Vacation Rentals Spring 2010

A Komo Mai and Welcome back to our Hawaii Blog,

Best Hawaii Vacation Blog's editors, Pua and Keoki, are happy to see that our post 'Is it a good time to travel to Hawaii NOW?' attracted a number of Hawaii hosts to share their comments about the many advantages of travel to Hawaii this spring. Today's post will provide vacation rental recommendations for 'Best Hawaii vacation rentals Spring 2010'. We've put together a list of fully equipped, yet affordable Hawaii vacation cottages, condos and suites near best beaches on the sunny Kona Kohala Coast of the Big Island.

Choose from our Best Hawaii Vacation rentals for your Hawaii spring vacation!

Sunny Side Waimea Cottage from $95/nt.

Save lots of money on your nightly rate for going out to dinner or do a whale watch tour when you stay at this fully equipped (full kitchen), private location with short 10-minute drive to Mauna Kea beach, which is currently still available from April 8 - May at $95/nt. with 7-night booking. Sunny Side Waimea Kohala Coast Vacation Rental Cottage Near Best Beaches

Mauna Kea Views 1Bd/1Ba vacation Apartment from $110/nt.

This Waimea vacation rental w/kitchen is a private, peaceful vacation apartment overlooking an expansive valley and captivating, well-known mountain of Mauna Kea on the Big Island Waimea Apartment with Mauna Kea Views It's a short 5-minute drive to Waimea for shopping. Kohala Coast Beaches and Big Island adventures like Waipio Valley or Mauna Kea Summit are in easy to reach. Inquire with your travel dates for April or May 2010!

Waikoloa Golf Condo with full kitchen enjoys expansive ocean and mountain views is located directly on the beautiful Waikoloa Village Golf Course on the Big Island. It has expansive ocean and beautiful sunset views. Beautiful Anaeho'omalu Beach is a short 10-min. drive away. The Golf Condo offers a great Spring Special at $ 100/nt. for April + May.

Puako Beach Apartment across from ocean from $115/nt.

It's just the two of you and you love to stay close to the beach, this Puako Apartment is right across from Beach 1Bd/1Ba Puako Vacation Apartment Best Deal Puako Beach $115/nt.! It is currently still available for 4/13 - 4/19 + 4/27 - May. A spacious lanai allows for enjoying your meals outdoors in a tropical setting. Puako is one of the most desired areas on the Kohala Coast. You can access the ocean right there in Puako or pack your beach stuff into the car and take a short 5-minute drive to Puako Beach 69 or Wailea Bay.

South Kona Vacation Suites from $115/nt. + Cottage from $150/nt.

Kona Vacation Rentals Suites offer a unique location overlooking historical Kealakekua Bay. This property has breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and an expansive panoramic South Kona coastline view. These two private Kona vacation suites are fully equipped, spacious accommodations with private entrances. The individual cottage with its private lanai is blessed with lots of amenities, views and privacy. It's perfect as a honeymoon cottage in Hawaii. This property lies on a lush, five-acre coffee farm complete with coffee, avocado, papaya and banana trees. Inquiry for your Spring vacation.


Kona Vacation Condo 2Bd/2Ba from $120/nt.

White Sands Estates Triplex on a bluff above Alii Drive with an amazing view of the ocean. Located between Kona's most popular beach, Magic Sands and Kahaluu. This two-bedroom, two-bath condo features sun decks, pool and an incredible panoramic ocean front view from the lanai, splash pool and living areas. Kona Ocean View condo with Pool + Short walk to beach has Spring vacancies from 4/12 - May. Best Kona condo rate for location + amenities!

Kohala Coast vacation rental 1Bd/1Ba Ocean Views from $150/nt.

This Kohala Coast vacation rental is situated 400' above the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, offering expansive,unobstructed views of the ocean, coastline, and nearby Hualalai Volcano. Awesome sunsets and balmy ocean breezes are the norm here. Best rate for Kohala Coast Estates premier location and top amenities. Rare vacancy 4/22 - 4/30 + May!

Kohala Estates Private Vacation Home from $175/nt. (dbl.)

2 Bd/2 Ba Kohala Coast vacation home at Kohala Estate with 180° ocean view offers a a 30% discount for Spring 2010 April + May at $175/nt. (dbl.). Experience Hawaii at its best. Enjoy the Aloha at this tropically decorated two bedroom, two bathroom Kohala Coast vacation home, minutes from best white sands beaches like Spencer, Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach, world-class golf and five star resorts.


We hope you found the Hawaii vacation rental matching your budget and expectations for your 2010 Hawaii Spring vacation. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Hawaii Spring Specials 2010, Best of Hawaii, Affordable Hawaii, Best Hawaii Vacation Rentals

Is it a good time to travel to Hawaii NOW?

Aloha Hawaii lovers,
If you recently wondered whether it's a good time to travel to Hawaii NOW, you are not alone. Spring 2010 is looking around the corner and Hawaii spring vacation ideas are popping up in people's heads asking themselves 'When is the best, cheapest time to travel to Hawaii?'.

5 Best Reasons to travel to Hawaii NOW

1. Spring 2010 April + May Hawaii low season travel months

April and May 2010 won't be any different. With March being the last month of Hawaii high season December - March, the number of Hawaii visitors declines rapidly in April. Maybe because April is tax month and generally people are preoccupied and don't think of traveling to Hawaii in April? However, if you are looking for the cheapest travel month to Hawaii, add April or May to your itinerary options.

2. Best vacation accommodation deals for April and May 2010

Private Hawaii vacation rental owners are willing to offer you accommodation specials for low season months April, May and beginning June 2010. Keep in mind that with the Economic Slowdown, the vacation industry including Hawaii tourism was hit hard too. More Hawaii vacation rental owners are competing for less guest inquiries! A good chance for you to book a Hawaii vacation rental for an unbelievable low rate as we did in September 2009 when we paid for our 1Bd/1Ba Kihei condo 1000ft from beach $70/nt.!

3. Hawaii Hotel Specials for Spring Vacation 2010

If you prefer staying at a Hawaii hotel to renting a private vacation rental or condo, sign up for email specials from your favorite Hawaii hotel. I already noticed quite a number of great online specials from Hawaii hotels starting April 2010 like discounted room rates, 4th night free or resort vouchers!

4. Empty Beaches during spring months

A lot of Hawaii visitors are not aware that a big part of our favorite Hawaii beach gets under water during the high tide winter months. Some huge swells can even occasionally 'swallow-up' the entire beach for a few days. Anyways, during the winter months Hawaii's white sand beaches offer somewhat limited space for the huge winter crowd of snowbirds. During spring months, the ocean will recede again so there is plenty of white sand beach available for much less visitors guaranteeing privacy and peace for for Hawaii vacation.

5. Empty Restaurants in Hawaii in spring

Honestly, restaurants can get quite busy during our our high season winter months in Hawaii. Nobody likes to wait for their food or for getting seated in a restaurant. Hawaii restaurants are no exception. Waiters at Hawaii restaurants will warmly welcome you on your Hawaii vacation in slow spring months. No waiting for seats or being served! You will really enjoy your meal and a nice hula performance with a relaxed dinner in Hawaii in April or May.

Last but not least, Hawaii car rentals are generally cheaper during low season spring months. Just make sure that no huge Hawaii event is scheduled for the time you want to travel to Hawaii. Cheap Hawaii air fares are in everybody's mind but not that easy to get. Low season spring air fares are somewhat cheaper but to catch the Last Minute Hawaii travel deals, one has to be on a flexible working schedule and not traveling with family and kids.

'Is it a good time to travel to Hawaii NOW?' What do you think? Your comments are most welcome by our Best Hawaii vacation visitors and by us. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

'Best Time to travel to Hawaii' Related Posts

Planning a Hawaii Vacation 2010
What's Hawaii like in April?
3 Reasons to visit Hawaii this summer
Is November a good time to go to Kona?

Tags: Good time to visit Hawaii Now, cheap Hawaii vacation, Spring vacation Hawaii

Why write guest post for Best Hawaii Vacation?

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou to all our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors,
The New Year 2010 is 7 days old. Not too late for plans and resolutions. for 2010. Make your dream of a Hawaii vacation come true. Our Planning a Hawaii Vacation 2010 got out in time for Christmas and New Year's when meeting with friends and family for making vacation plans for 2010.

Hawaii vacation rental hosts adjusted to the economic slowdown. We believe there will be again vacation rental bargains out there like our $70/nt. at a wonderful 1Bd/1Ba Maui condo, 1000 steps to beach, in September. Hawaii experienced a big revival for the winter season. We recommend to make Hawaii travel plans for spring 2010, starting April, to get the benefits from best Hawaii air fares, car rentals, hotel rooms or best Hawaii vacation rental rates.

Today's post is an invitation for all the Hawaii vacation and travel businesses to promote their Hawaii business without spending extra money. Yes, you can advertise with Best Hawaii Vacation blog at the lowest Hawaii advertising rates but there is even a way to get some extra attention and traffic to your Hawaii site for free by writing a guest author article for our Hawaii vacation blog. Pretty much anything about Hawaii, Hawaii vacation and Hawaii travel goes. No writer's skills are necessary. This is our personal blog about our love with Hawaii. Write a guest article about what you love in Hawaii, what our Hawaii visitors can do and see on their vacation on the Hawaiian Islands.

Benefits of writing a guest post on Best Hawaii Vacation blog

1. Increasing traffic to your Hawaii vacation related website

2. Talking to your target audience for 'Hawaii vacation'

3. Demonstrating your expertise in the field you write about

4. Online exposure before new groups of people

5. SEO benefits of your article in Google search

6. Free advertising and almost instant Internet promotion

Let us help you make writing a Hawaii article on Best Hawaii Vacation blog your FREE marketing tool for 2010. Please, email us your post. Best wishes for all Hawaii businesses. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Free Hawaii advertising, Hawaii vacation ads, market your Hawaii business, free Hawaii business marketing